George W. Bush condemns Myanmar protest crackdown

Former US president George W. Bush on Thursday hit out at a crackdown on student-led protests in Myanmar which have sparked international alarm, calling for the swift release of those arrested. In a joint statement with his wife, ex-first lady Laura Bush, the former US leader urged Myanmar to free student leader Phyoe Phyoe Aung, who is a part of a forum run by the Bush Institute. “We are deeply concerned about the recent arrests of peaceful demonstrators in Burma by local authorities,” Bush said, describing Phyoe Phyoe Aung as a “passionate advocate for education” in the Southeast Asian nation.